Abstract: The marine hydrocarbon accumulation in Tarim basin is characterized by multi-period accumulations and late adjustment. The late adjustment and re-accumulation is an important type of its petroleum accumulation; secondary reservoirs formed by adjustment of late accumulation is a significant style of it; and Himalayan (Cenozoic) and top of paleo-uplift are the major period and area of adjustment and re- accumulation respectively. The discovered Himalayan oil reservoirs are mostly secondary ones formed in such a way of late Hercynian reservoir re-accumulation,which mainly distribute in Mesozoic reservoir of Lunnan uplift and Carboniferous reservoir of the Central Tarim uplift. Therefore,to search for large- and medium-scale marine primary hydrocarbon reservoirs should highlight the relatively stable and inherited paleo-uplifts and paleo-slopes, whereas the uplift highs are the major areas for formation of secondary reservoirs.

Key words: Tarim basin, craton, marine facies, reservoir, Himalayan, primary reservoir, adjustment